It’s official summer, schools out and I was recently able to take a little plane ride with my 11-year old son to Southern California. Epic for me as I’ve been nervous about flying ever since I had my little episode in January. I know the blood clots in my lungs are probably all gone and the blood thinners are most likely doing their job, but I still have the fear of flying and potentially putting my kids through another scary “my mom almost died” experience.
I’m pleased to report that vacation was wonderful as we visited Mickey Mouse & Company, along with a bonus few days with Heidi. We not only had a fun beach day with her, but our flight got cancelled and we got to spend an extra day at her beautiful new home.
The beginning of summer seemed like a great time to give an overall report on my health for those of you who are following along. The time has almost come – one more month – that I (hopefully) get to stop taking the blood thinners. The docs are fairly certain at this point that my pulmonary embolisms (i.e. clots) were a side-affect of the birth control pill (Reclipsen) I’d been taking for several months. It happens to a small percentage of people on the pill. Lucky me.
Only one mystery remains – I’m continuing to measure low in iron, specifically ferritin. Like on a scale of 0-200, I’m consistently registering about 11. So, I’m scheduled for an iron infusion this week. I’m also headed in for an esophagus and colon test soon, just to rule out cancer. That’s another explanation for the clots. But, because I’ve been feeling fine—the tests are most likely just precautionary.
In general, I’m feeling optimistic and happy these days. I’m ready to get off the blood thinners and feeling strong. I’ve resumed a decent exercise regimen and working to stay on a healthy eating path. Vacation didn’t help—except when I was at Heidi’s house, of course. She made a couple of her amazing recipes for us and I can now endorse her first-hand. She’s a great chef! Maybe she’ll post the chicken salad recipe she prepared for us one evening.
Let’s make the rest of the summer a healthy one! I don’t think I’ll be wearing a bikini, but I look forward to feeling good because I’m active and eating fresh, healthy foods.
été heureux ! (That’s ‘Happy Summer’ in French)
Steph
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